- Our minds fill in gaps in our memory with what would probably be true.
- People will often confuse similar memories in their past. They will take independent parts of memories from different times and put them together, recalling them as one event.
The constructive process is the unconscious invention of false memories. Exactly why our memories alter as time goes by is uncertain.
- To fill in the gaps
Our memories are not like tape recorders that document every minute detail of our lives. Our brains fill in the gaps as they seem to disappear. We use our general knowledge and surrounding facts and events remembered to make an educated guess as to what actually happened. (Schacter, 1998) We fill in details that seem to make sense to create an event in our past that may have never actually taken place. Unintentionally, we confabulate
a make-believe, yet realistic event. (Loftus, 1990.p.393)
- For Self Image
In some cases, we may reconstruct memories to protect ourselves from a bad self image. For example, if you had a fight with a friend, but then you made up, you both may later not remember the incident as being so bad as it actually was. - For Self Protection
For example, in the case of an abuse, a child may reconstruct the image of an offending parent. - To Escape from Pain
Sometimes people have modified memories of the past so that they will not be as painful.
- To Maintain Beliefs
Sometimes people will (consciously or unconsciously) alter their memories so that they will make sense according to their beliefs. ("Psychology" 2000)
Coming this October... Try our reconstructed memory activity to see if your brain can unconsciously reconstruct a memory.
